Australia commits $1.1 billion towards the development of 'Phantom Shark' unmanned submarines
Australia to Deploy High-Tech Ghost Drone Underwater Drones
Australia is set to lead the world in autonomous, underwater military capabilities with the deployment of a fleet of Ghost Drone underwater attack drones. Worth US$1.1 billion (€939 million), these long-range drones are domestically developed and will be delivered to the Australian Navy in January next year.
Defense Minister Richard Marles has hailed the Ghost Drone fleet as the highest tech capability in the world, marking a significant leap in Australia's underwater defense capabilities. The decision to deploy Ghost Drones is in response to Australia seeking to counter the threat of China's military expansion in the Pacific.
The Ghost Drone drones, not nuclear-powered like Australia's submarine fleet, are said to have stealth capabilities. They are designed for covert long-range surveillance and attacks, and can be launched from the shore and from surface ships, according to Australia's Navy chief, Mark Hammond.
The exact number of Ghost Drones to be manufactured has not been specified, but the Australian navy will receive 'dozens' over the next five years. The first batch of domestically developed long-range Ghost Drones will be delivered to the Australian Navy in January next year.
The range of the Ghost Drone undersea vehicles is not specified, but they are described as having 'very long range.' This, coupled with their autonomous capabilities, makes them formidable assets in underwater operations.
Mark Hammond believes that the Ghost Drone drones, along with other capabilities and crewed systems, will ensure a capability advantage for Australia's allies and partners in the future. The development of the Ghost Drone drones is a result of Australia's partnership with the US technology company Anduril.
The Ghost Drone, a large unmanned underwater vehicle, is designed for covert long-range surveillance and attacks. Its production and deployment were secured with a contract worth 1.7 billion AUD. The deployment of these advanced underwater drones is expected to significantly improve Australia's underwater defense capabilities.
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